What is Autism?
- toddlerswithtism
- Nov 29, 2023
- 3 min read
A developmental disorder of variable severity that is characterized by difficulty of social interaction and communication restricted or repetative patterns of thought and behaviour.
Every person on the autism spectrum is different, and no one set of behaviors definitively defines autism
Seeking medical care
The very first step when suspecting autism is to speak to your pediatrician. From there you may be referred to an early intervention program which will provided needed therapies while you wait for an official behaviour evaluation
Behaviors typical of but not limited to:
-Repetitive body movements (rocking, flapping, spinning, running back and forth)
-Repetitive motions with objects (spinning wheels, shaking sticks, flipping switches)
-Staring at lights or spinning objects.
-Ritualistic behaviors (lining up objects, repeatedly touching objects in a set order
-Echolalia
-Lack of response to name
-Lack of eye contact
-Language delay
-Inability to understand social cues and situations
-Narrow or extreme interests in specific topics
-Need for unvarying routine/resistance to change (same daily schedule, meal menu, clothes, route to school)
Please see link below for M-CHAT-R Autism test, a screening tool modified checklists autism in toddlers:
Sensory processing disorder
There are two categories; sensory avoiders and sensory seekers. Your child's behaviors may align with one, both or neither category.
Sensory Avoiders
(Extreamly reactive to sensory stimulation)
Children who are sensory avoiders for example, can have difficulty with food textures, clothing, loud noises, bright lights, the presence of too many people, unease in new environments and dislike of touch.
Sensory Seekers
(Extremely unreactive to sensory stimulation)
Children that are sensory seekers can for example, crave sensory input in many areas such as touch, visual, auditory and physical sensations. They may have poor spacial awareness, poor balance, fidget constantly, and seek opportunities to push, pull, crash, spin, jump, swing and run. Sensory seekers can be misinterpreted as having ADHD.
7 senses
- Sight (Vision)
- Hearing (Auditory)
- Smell (Olfactory)
- Taste (Gustatory)
- Touch (Tactile)
- Vestibular (Movement)
- Proprioception (Body position)
Please see link for pinned post below for sensory and toy ideas for toddlers:
Meltdowns
A meltdown is an intense response to a situation. Overstimulation or feeling a lack of control in an environment are examples of triggers. With meltdowns there can be intense screaming and crying, hyperventilating, pacing and rocking. Emotions can also be displayed physically towards self or others or can be avoidance in nature such as hiding and withdrawing. Some suggestions to help your child include:
- Recognizing triggers and adjusting the environment where possible to reduce meltdowns
- Remaining calm and patient
- Keeping your child safe while allowing the space for your child to express emotions
- Recognizing what strategies help and which do not, and adjusting your approach to your child's needs
Is it a tantrum or a meltdown?
Autistic children have tantrums just as all children do. The main differences include:
- The reason for a tantrum is to achieve a goal and if that goal is achieved (ex. wanting another cookie) the tantrum will stop
- The intensity is less and the duration is shorter for a tantrum
There is very little ability for a child self regulate during a meltdown and punishing or reprimanding a child during or after a meltdown will not prevent future meltdowns.
Sleep
Autistic children more commonly have difficulty settling down for the night and more often have restless sleeps, some suggestions to try may be:
- Doing a sleep study to rule out any underlining sleep disorders
- Sleep Therapy
- Consistant bedtime routine
- Decreasing stimulation in preparation for night routine (dimming lights, soft calming music, bath, quiet activities)
- Sleep comforts (weighted blanket, nightlights/sound machines, white noise favourite toys, co-sleeping
- With consent from child's pediatrician OTC supplements can aid in sleep
Please see link for pinned post below on sleep tips for toddlers with autism:
Therapies
- ABA (Applied behaviour analysis)
- OT (Occupational Therapy)
- Play Therapy
- Music/Art Therapy
- CBT (Cognitive behaviour therapy)
- Speech Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Sensory Integration
- RDI (Relationship Developmental Intervention)
- TEACCH
- Horseback riding Therapy
- Animal Therapy
- Medication prescribed by physician for specific behaviors/co-existing conditions
See link for more in depth about each therapy
There is no cure for autism
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